IOC Limits Women's Olympic Sports to Biological Females Starting 2028

Thu Mar 26 2026 17:54:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The International Olympic Committee announces a major policy change limiting women's Olympic sports to biological females, effective from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided that starting in 2028, only biological females will be eligible to compete in women's Olympic sports. This decision follows a thorough review of scientific evidence and expert consultations, and will involve a one-time genetic screening to determine eligibility. The policy aims to address ongoing debates surrounding fairness in women's sports, particularly concerning the participation of transgender women and athletes with Differences in Sexual Development (DSD). Critics of the decision have raised concerns about invasiveness and potential violation of human rights.

The women's category of Olympic sports will be limited to biological females from 2028.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says eligibility will be determined by a once-in-a-lifetime sex test, which would prevent transgender women and those with differences in sexual development (DSD) who have gone through male puberty from competing. It will take effect from the Los Angeles Olympics.

IOC president Kirsty Coventry stated that the policy was led by medical experts and emphasized that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. The IOC announced that eligibility for the female category will be determined by screening to detect the SRY gene, responsible for male characteristics.

Successful screening through methods like saliva or blood samples will secure athletes' eligibility to compete in the women's category permanently. Athletes failing the test remain eligible for male categories and other classifications.

This announcement comes after years of individual sports bodies regulating sex eligibility separately. Critics have expressed concerns regarding the invasiveness of genetic testing and potential false positives, while others support the genetic screening as a humane alternative to testosterone regulation.

As preparations for the 2028 Olympics unfold, this policy change marks a significant shift in how sexual eligibility will be approached, amidst ongoing debates about inclusion and fairness in sports.